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We interrupt farm bill coverage for this breaking news•a new agriculture secretary is coming to town! President Bush surprised many in the industry with his announcement Wednesday that former North Dakota governor Ed Schafer would be taking over the reigns of the USDA. Many insiders had assumed Chuck Conner, current acting secretary of agriculture, would be the likely candidate to take over the role for the remaining 14 months of Bush's term.
In the announcement, Bush touted Schafer's experience with directing response with disasters, leadership on trade missions and involvement in overseeing initial development of North Dakota's biofuels industry.
Former Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns made it his priority to get out into the countryside and hear producer concerns. He then took those concerns to Congress, and has pushed hard for farm policy reforms. Conner did much of the behind the scenes work on Capitol Hill, and likely will return to that role once Schafer is confirmed.
Positive response
It seems everyone is being cordial in Bush's surprise secretarial appointment. Senate Agriculture Committee leaders Sens. Tom Harkin and Saxby Chambliss voiced initial support for Schafer.
"He has a strong background in public service, which will certainly be a valuable asset in his new role as Secretary. I look forward to getting to know Governor Schafer during the confirmation process and will work hard to fill this critical position for U.S. agriculture as soon as possible," Chambliss said.
The Senate is set to begin debating its farm bill version on the Senate floor next week.
A statement from the National Farmers Union said the North Dakota Farmers Union has enjoyed a strong working relationship with Gov. Schafer and the NFU looks forward to the same in his new role.
North Dakota Farmers Union President Robert Carlson said of the nomination, "As governor, Ed Schafer and our organization worked on several state and federal issues that were important to North Dakota agriculture. We appreciated his tenacity in standing up for farmers and ranchers. He was steadfast in his convictions, regardless of political consequences."
Hailing from a ranching state, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association also remains optimistic Schafer can be a strong advocate for agriculture.
"While serving as governor of North Dakota from 1992 to 2000, Ed Schafer was a team leader, a strong organizer, and always open to new ideas and concepts," said Jay Truitt, NCBA vice president of government affairs. He is experienced in dealing with issues such as disaster assistance, international trade and renewable energy policy — all issues at the forefront of today's political environment. Schafer has always embraced proposals which lower taxes, promote entrepreneurship, limit government interference and rely on a market-based system. Schafer also has been a steadfast supporter of grassroots involvement."
NCBA is hoping Schafer's experience in 2000 leading a trade mission to China will be beneficial in ongoing efforts to reopening Asian markets to beef.
Verdict still out
When Johanns came to town, there was a sigh of relief in many circles that Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman was no longer in charge. Her Californian roots never resonated in the Corn Belt. But Johanns brought a distinct, down-to-earth mentality that all farmers warmed up to quickly.
We'll see if Schafer can do the same as we embark in crafting the next farm bill.
Policy is one of the most important issues facing farmers today, but often the most difficult to digest. Jacqui Fatka has a passion to decode the often difficult world of agricultural policy into terms understandable for today's ag players.
Fatka joined the Farm Progress team as E-Content Editor in August 2003 after graduating from Iowa State University. Prior to full-time employment with Farm Progress, she interned at Wallaces Farmer magazine, Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley's press office and the Iowa Pork Producers Association and freelanced for National Hog Farmer. She also worked as a public relations consultant with Iowa Industries for the Future, an effort to bring together major players in the biorenewables industry.
Currently Fatka is a staff editor at a sister publication, Feedstuffs. For Farm Futures she regularly tells the story of ongoing agricultural policy changes. Her byline can also be found on management profiles.
Fatka grew up on a grain and livestock farm near Atlantic, Iowa. She currently lives in central Ohio with her husband Eric.
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